The Glenholme School
Devereux, CT

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5K Run For Autism Hailed A Success

On the pleasant autumn morning of November 15, 2015, 126 avid local runners came together for the second annual Glenholme 5K Run for Autism held at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington, Connecticut. The run, which offers one of the few canine-friendly courses in the state, was hailed as another remarkable triumph.

Created and hosted by The Glenholme School, a therapeutic boarding and day school for students with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and various social, emotional and learning differences, the race proceeds support the school's academic innovations and therapeutic program expansion.

Shortly after 10:00 am, the race began and competitors made an easy time of the smooth and narrow unpaved road which follows the picturesque Shepaug River in the Steep Rock Preserve.

The first-place overall winner, Erik Quist, 17, of New Preston, captured the top spot with a time of 17:10. Michael Hall, 34, of South Kent followed moments behind with a time of 17:24 and rounding out the top three finishers was James Kane, 16, of New Milford, with a time of 17:49.

The top female finishers include Alice Baumgartner, 28, with a time of 19:35, Sarah Piazza, 31, with a time of 19:48 and Pam Quist, 52, of New Preston, who bested her 22:04 first place time from last year with a 21:55 finish.

John Adams, 15, of New Milford, who won the 14-and-under boys bracket last year, took home the first place finish for the 15-19 bracket this year with a time of 20:35. He was joined by Chase Schuster, 15, of New Milford with a time of 21:43, a 10th place overall finish, and Devon Langworthy, 16, with a time of 26:55, who placed 28th overall and was the first Glenholme student to cross the finish line. For girls 15-19, Rachel Aiudi, 17, of Winsted finished with a time of 23:42. She was followed by two Glenholme students, Anna Toscano, 15, with a time of 27:00, and Kelly Mazzo, 18, with a time of 30:14.

Other top finishers include Harrison Peloso in the Male 20-29, Zoltan Rigo in the Male 30-39, Andrew Morehouse who claimed the top spot for Male 40-49 bracket. Anna Kallman took the top spot for the Ladies 30-39, Khim Neang captured the Ladies 40-49 bracket, and Lili Dyer captured the Ladies 50-59 bracket.

Many racers opted to bring their canines to the dog-friendly event. Repeating their first place in the run with canine category was Barbara Canary, 57, of New Milford with her Black Lab Jackson. Second place finishers were Glenholme teacher Pat Therault and her therapy Pug, Winston.

It was evident throughout the event, runners and their supporters united through their personal experiences with individuals on the autism spectrum and their individual fitness goals as incentives to join the run and help promote a worthy cause.

Glenholme also extends a special note of appreciation to the event sponsors including Steep Rock Association, Heritage Hotel, Tim Mitchell Artist Representative, Inc., Scott's Landscaping and Nursery, Modern Supply, Washington Supply Company, Marandola Fuel Service, GW Tavern, Union Savings Bank of Washington Depot, Joe's Salon + Spa, J. Seitz & Company, Fast Track Timing LLC, Litchfield Ford, Full Circle Promotions, and Washington Market.

For race results, go to
http://fasttracktiming.com/race-result/glenholme-run-for-autism/#/results::1447785042491.

About The Glenholme School:
The Glenholme School, a center of the Devereux organization, is a therapeutic boarding and day school for young people with high functioning autism spectrum disorders including Asperger's; ADHD, PDD, OCD, Tourette's, depression, anxiety, and various learning differences. The program provides a treatment milieu designed to help students become competent, socially and academically. The goal of the school is to prepare graduates for post-secondary college and career opportunities.